The Effects of Eight Weeks of Lower Eccentric Exercise Training on Muscle Strength and Function in the Elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcopenia, decreased in muscle mass and function related with aging, was known to be accompanied by muscle strength and physical function. We investigated the effects of eccentric exercise on skeletal muscle strength and physical function in the elderly. Materials and methods: Sixteen healthy older subjects (age, 73.69±2.44

Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score ≥10) underwent 8 weeks of eccentric training with Eccentron (BTETM.Inc.) or conventional resistance training with seated leg press (ENRAF NONIUS) for twice a week. For the eccentric training and conventional training group, participants performed the test of isometric, isokinetic, power via Primus RS (BTETM. Inc.), and body composition. For the measurement of functional capacity, subjects performed specific tests (SPPB, gait speed test, stair-climbing test, and chair-rising test). Results: Eccentric training significantly improved in muscle function in gait speed (p=0.049) and stair climb test (p=0.046). Also, the eccentric training produced the greatest improvement in 60°/sec isokinetic average peak torque and power test using isotonic at left side of leg (p=0.040), (p=0.005), respectively. Conclusion: Continuous and regular eccentric exercise program is effective which was to improve the reduction of muscle strength and muscle function that can become noticeable aging. Therefore, these findings suggest that the eccentric exercise training is the one way to improve the prevention of sarcopenia.